Amor De Plata

Working Hard or Hardly Working?

2010-06-24T12:25:00.003-10:00

I've been working hard at my job at the unemployment office and hardly working on my blog, shop, jewelry. I was getting exhausted, stressed, and not getting my work done. Lately I decided I would just relax and not stress too much about posting, designing and marketing my etsy shop. I have a positive outlook at work, which is difficult sometimes but I am so blessed to have a job. I'm feeling better and started making jewelry for myself.

I plan on getting on with jewelry making, taking pics and posting. I hope you are all taking some time to smell the flowers!

Enjoying Winter?

2010-02-02T11:13:00.003-10:00

Are you enjoying your winter? I am so loving all the white winter snow. It is something new to me to watch it snow and I can say I love it. I know, I know, you all say ugghhh, are you kidding? It's chilly but not as bad as I expected and I love the scenery. Soon it will be all gone but in the meantime I will enjoy.

Happy Holidays to Everyone!

2009-12-25T14:39:00.003-10:00

Wishing you all a very happy holiday season. Spending time with family is the best gift you can give someone. I hope you all the best during the holidays! Miss all my friends from Hawaii and an aloha to all my new friends here in Indiana. We are enjoying the white Christmas here. The snow is beautiful.

How's Your Summer?

2009-06-18T11:29:00.005-10:00

Summer is coming up and so far it has been great! I've been busy camping, visiting a windmill farm, traveling to a few states to visit relatives. I'm taking some time to smell the flowers.

Amor De Plata featured in Etsy in Spanish Blog

2009-04-22T10:11:00.004-10:00

Amor De Plata has been featured in blog Etsy in Spanish. The article is in english and spanish with photos of my latest work. A special thanks to Lolo who helped me with my photos and made them into a nice collage.

Check out blog Etsy in Spanish

Marketing Your Jewelry

2009-04-21T06:55:00.003-10:00

Sometimes I think marketing your jewelry or products is the hardest part of the job. Do you find that some days you spend most of your day trying to market your product? I go to my Amor De Plata Etsy site and spend time in the forums, bounce into Twitter and leave a few twits, go to Facebook and catch up. I haven't had time to log onto Myspace forever. I try to add friends on Scoutle and then go to my Artfire and check out forums. Do you have any special tips for marketing?

Need Twitter Followers!

2009-04-01T06:10:00.002-10:00

Hi everyone, it's been awhile but I will start to post a little more regularly now. I am using a borrowed computer which makes it difficult to use during off hours. Anyway on to what I wanted to post about, twitter. I need twitter followers so I can follow more of you. I think twitter cuts you off from following people until you get 2000 followers. So even if I have 1,425 followers, I am only allowed to follow 1,000. So I have over 400 that I want to follow but can't.

I know I can count on you! Here is my twitter and I will follow you as soon as I can.
Thanks a bunch.

http://twitter.com/amordeplata

Moving from Hawaii to Indiana

2009-02-08T09:23:00.004-10:00

I've been off the blog for awhile during my packing for our big move. Yes, we are officially moving from Hawaii to Indiana. Some people say we are crazy but what counts most in life is family. My hubby wanted to be closer to his family and I am staying with my brother and sister-in-law here in Indiana.

We flew out of Hawaii on January 20th. Stayed in Oakland, California for a week visiting my only brother-in-law and his wife. Picked up our vehicle we had shipped from Hawaii. We drove to Palm Springs to visit with my side of the family, mom, brothers and cousins.

We stayed an extra couple of days due to a big ice storms we wanted to avoid in the midwest. Our driving days were great with no rain, or snow/ice on roads. We did have trouble with hotel stays due to workers hired for the storm. Other than that everything went great.

So we are now near Fort Wayne, Indiana, enjoying the snow. Yes, I miss Hawaii but I am thankful for the 18 years I was lucky enough to live there and the great friends I had there. I look forward to a great new life here in Indiana where the people are fantastic and everything is so beautiful.

I am Officially Unemployed

2009-01-01T18:44:00.006-10:00

The time has come, as of today I am free of my day job! After 17 years at the Hawaii Sheriff Division, I have resigned.

I can now dedicate myself to my art clay silver jewelry creations and my vintage and supply site on Etsy and other sites.

I can tell you one thing, I am not sad and I'm not excitedly happy either. I feel a sense of calm right now, as if a heavy weight has lifted off me. I feel good and I don't really care about anything.

I am so looking forward to what this new year will bring. There will be more great changes to come!

Happy Holidays to All!

2008-12-24T15:51:00.004-10:00

Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday season. Hope you and your family are enjoying the holidays.

This is a busy time for all of us, but I look forward to a great, prosperous and exciting New Year!

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo!

Martha

My New Creation - Wood Texture Jewelry

2008-12-09T11:54:00.005-10:00

Here are my latest creations, jewelry made with a real wood texture. I discovered this great piece of wood by Bellows beach here on Oahu. I made a mold, put it aside and just recently had time to make the pendant and earrings. I'm making rings later when I have more time.

FREE Video Classes - Annealing Metal and Sawing Metal

2008-12-09T11:41:00.003-10:00

Once again, one of my favorite sites Beaducation has more FREE online video classes.

I want to learn more about metalsmithing which is really a must if you make jewelry. I visited beaducation and saw 2 new classes. Annealing metal and Sawing Metal.

I have watched almost all of their FREE videos, which are fantastic. I'm sure I will be taking some paid classes soon. I love that you can stop them and go back if you want to repeat something. You can watch them over and over.

So check them out Beaducation

50 Great Jewelry Selling Techniques

2008-10-23T14:52:00.004-10:00

Free e-book, 50 Great Jewelry Selling Techniques
by David Weiman, with great information on marketing your jewelry. Just sign up with name and e-mail for the free newsletter and get your free e-book.

My Son - New Hawaii Deputy Sheriff!

2008-10-05T10:49:00.004-10:00

Friday was a happy day for us. My son Ben has graduated recruit class and is now a Hawaii Deputy Sheriff. I am so very proud of him and his accomplishments including his six years in the Air Force. I have struggled many years as a single parent, trying to raise my only son to be a good kid and it has finally been accomplished in my eyes. My hubby Ray and Ben's fiance Shayna have also contributed greatly to his success. We look forward to a great career in law enforcement.

A Great new Site - Beaducation

2008-09-28T14:02:00.004-10:00

I stumbled upon Beaducation , a great site and signed up immediately. Beaducation has online video classes on many types of crafts and jewelry making. They also sell the kits to go with each class if you don't want to search for the items you need for the class. You print your instruction sheet and follow the video as you go along and you can stop, or go back while you work.

What really caught my eye was the FREE classes! Some of the free classes include Felted Beads, Byzantine Chain, Intro to Chainmaile, Making your own Earwires, Stamped Jewelry, Intro to Seed Beads, Coiling Wire by Hand and more!

Beaducation also sells supplies like charms, hard to find steel stamps, wire, stones with holes, jewelry kits and more.

If you ever wanted to take a class and couldn't afford it, or it's too far away, now is the time to check out Beaducation .

Martha's Vintage - My New Etsy Shop

2008-08-31T09:06:00.008-10:00

I have a new Etsy Vintage shop named Martha's Vintage
! Check out some of the great stuff I have. The pic is of a cool vintage ashtray I'm selling now. I will be posting more vintage items, jewelry mostly and kitchen items. I will also be listing some supplies and craft books. Stop on by and take a look.
Martha's Vintage

Metal Clay Academy

2008-08-23T07:14:00.005-10:00

New site for everything you need to know about Metal Clay. Great for resources, training, suppliers. The site has a great metal clay gallery and lists of businesses that work with metal clay. If you work with metal clay you can list your shop for free in the directory. I love that instructors can list their classes there, also for free. You know me, I love free!
Visit the Metal Clay Academy soon.

Do you Scoutle?

2008-08-03T13:28:00.005-10:00

I just joined Scoutle! A new networking blog traffic site you can use to promote your blog, or website. It was superfast and easy to join. It automatically hooked me up on blogspot when I chose which icon I wanted. See my little icon at the top right of my page? A big thanks to TimothyAdamDesigns.etsy.com for hooking us up to Scoutle.

Please Be Courteous and Don't Jump To Conclusions

2008-07-11T09:16:00.004-10:00

Yes, the title is harsh but true in all types of business. I have seen many Etsy shop owners who cancel an online sale because they didn't receive the product in a few days. The buyer was in another country! Anyone who has been doing any amount of online business knows it takes a couple weeks (or more) to receive something from an international address. The seller jumps to conclusions and thinks the buyer is a loser and posts about it in forums!

Another example is what happened to me and this is why I'm a little upset. I was recently down and out with surgery hassles and really didn't want to broadcast it. I was dropped from an Etsy team for non-participation and because they didn't see me around the forums. So fine, I took all the team stuff down and feel like maybe someone should have e-mailed me first to ask if something was wrong. No, I am not going to explain to them or beg to be back on the team because I don't want to be on it anymore.

Why do they jump to conclusions and assume I don't WANT to participate? What if I had a tragic death in the family? Do they really expect you to be on the forums while you are at a wake, funeral, in mourning, etc?

This is the reason I am asking everyone to please be courteous in all of your business transactions because it's not nice to jump to conclusions.

New Business Card and Banner for Amor De Plata

2008-06-30T20:19:00.008-10:00

In case you haven't noticed, I have a new banner for Amor De Plata. My bright new banner was created by Etsy shop Stypecreative.etsy.com. I was so pleased with my banner that I asked Stypecreative to make some business cards and round stickers (shown above) for me. The back of my business cards is the silver. I'm very pleased with all of the graphics stypecreative did for me.

Mexican Sun Drawing Inspired Pendant

2008-06-18T18:39:00.002-10:00

Here is one of my latest creations. A pendant inspired by ancient mexican sun drawings. My sketch was used to hand carve a mold and make this metal clay beauty of a pendant. All handcrafted and made by me! The pendant is oxidized with a bronze background and shiny sun.

I'm Healthy and Back in Business!

2008-06-18T18:34:00.003-10:00

It seems like I've been "out" of contact with others and my Etsy shop, blog, silkfair etc. forever. Without getting into the ugly details, I had health issues that have been resolved. I feel good now, I'm healthy, and I'm ready to get back to business.

Thanks to all who have commented, convo'd or e-mailed me with happy thoughts and prayers.

Do You Have A Scratchback TopSpot Widget?

2008-04-24T22:29:00.004-10:00

What is a Scratchback TopSpot Widget? It's a FREE widget to post on your blog or website to accept online tips and post a small image ad in return. You name the price on your tips and earn money from every interaction.

I have put one up here on my blog. I humbly ask for your "tips" so you can promote your site for $5.00 a spot! Grab your top spot now.

Celebrate Earth Day with Amor De Plata Jewelry

2008-04-22T07:50:00.002-10:00

Go green with Amor De Plata's jewelry. Yes, Amor De Plata's jewelry is green! Made with 100% recycled pure silver. Do your part and save the earth, buy your jewelry from Amor De Plata.

How To Build Your First Webpage - FREE Course

2008-04-17T18:14:00.004-10:00

Struggling to build a website? I have been agonizing over building my website and not wanting to spend money. I discovered a FREE online course going on now at ivillage.com, in the ilearn section. Signing up is simple and FREE! That seems to be my favorite word lately.

So, I signed up, and they e-mail you when lessons are available. You can download the whole PDF file and scroll through at your leisure later if you want. Once a lesson is posted, it remains on the site 24/7 until the end date of the course.

I have no excuse now, I will let you all know how it goes with my page. Good luck with yours!

http://ivillage.com

Your Own Worldwide Retail Shop Online - Silkfair

2008-04-13T19:30:00.004-10:00

Do you dream of owning your own retail shop online? Well you can have your own free worldwide storefront at htttp://silkfair.com

There is no fee for listing your items and no limit on the amount of items you sell. Silkfair is a selling site that allows you to sell your products to all countries and buy from all countries. The site keeps 3% of your final selling price.

I really love that Silkfair is promoting the site online and off. They have reviews from PCMagazine, ECommerce Guide, CNBC, Forbes, Wahm, MarthaStewart.com and WomansDay.com to name a few.

See you there!

http://silkfair.amordeplata.com

New Promotional Craft Website

2008-03-06T08:56:00.005-10:00

I've discovered a new craft promotional website called icraft. Actually, the founder contacted me and asked me to join.

If you sign up before the end of March 2008 you get ONE YEAR FREE listings. This includes your webpage and no fees for purchases made from your page. You can list as many craft items you wish all free! You can also post a link to your blog on your page.

The site address is http://icraft.ca
My page is http://icraft.ca/amordeplata

Check it out! P.S. I get nothing for promoting this site, I just want to pass along the info. Great to sell/promote your items as many places as possible.

My Latest Project - Double Silver Hearts

2008-03-01T10:35:00.007-10:00

This fine silver double heart pendant was a special request from a friend. It was quite a challenge. Sometimes the simplest things are the hardest to accomplish in this medium. I rolled out a snake of Art Clay Silver and shaped it into a heart. A little slip paste was added to attach the ends. I let dry and sanded, no problem. Attaching the first heart through the second one was the challenge. I ended up supporting the first heart in a clear box lid with a slit and a hole punched out. I created the second heart on top of the lid, added slip paste to attach ends and let dry. After sanding smooth, I torch fired while moving piece with a crochet hook. This is the first time I did two pieces at once and I was afraid they would fuse together, but they turned out well.

One day I may do a tutorial. Our Yahoo metal clay group in my favs does a great job doing all kinds of tutorials on working with metal clay.

March For Babies

2008-02-07T11:55:00.001-10:00

Aloha,

I'm the Team Captain for March of Dimes, March for Babies for the Sheriff Div. in Oahu. If you would like to help me raise money to find causes for Prematurity and Birth Defects and develop new treatments such as development of life saving Surfactant Therapy to treat Respitory Distress Syndrome please go to website:
http://www.marchforbabies.org/sheriffdivision

Thank you for your donations!
Martha Sanchez

Plug In!

2008-02-04T11:57:00.001-10:00

A "plug" is a small banner advertisement that can be displayed on a plugboard. You can put together a plug on your own if you have computer skills.

A special thanks to BittyMoose.etsy.com for introducing the plugboard to Etsy. BittyMoose will make an animated plug (88 x 31) for you for $5.

I've put a plugboard on this blog, so feel free to plug in. Visit our fellow advertisers by clicking on their banners.

Promote your Business!!

2008-01-29T10:49:00.000-10:00

A friend gave me info on website to promote your Etsy shop or business. Seems like a great way to earn money. Check it out!

http://amordeplata.qassia.com/

Treasuries Rock

2008-01-25T22:53:00.000-10:00

I recently joined the flickr group Treasuries Rock. It's a group of Etsy shop owners who grab Etsy treasuries and list our group members in the treasury. It's a great way for us to band together and promote our shops. I was able to grab a treasury on my second day.

Check us out at:

http://flickr.com/groups/treasuriesrock/

Broken Torch

2008-01-20T17:43:00.000-10:00

Well, things are definitely not going well to start the new year. My torch has gone kaput-died. Ordered a big supply of silver to start on new projects. Waiting for the shipment of my new torch. Waiting, waiting and more waiting. Will list new projects upon resuming my torch firing.

Holidays - I'm Tired!!! - Oh and Happy New Year!

2007-12-29T07:51:00.000-10:00

Well, I don't want to make this a totally negative post, but I'm tired. I'm tired of cooking, cleaning, shopping, working. Does anyone else feel like this?? I don't want to think of taking down the Christmas tree (maybe it will be up till March) or what I'm cooking for New Year. I feel like it all catches up with you in the end.

Ok, I'm done with the rant and I feel much better. Wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!

All things Handmade: Jewelry - Metal, Page 5

2007-12-15T20:48:00.000-10:00

All things Handmade: Jewelry - Metal, Page 5

Indiana Trip Photos

2007-11-29T23:39:00.000-10:00

A few more pics. Here is Ray, Jessica (my niece) and yours truly in front of a Christmas display. I also wanted to show you a pic of us in front of an anchor at the Pier in Chicago. Do I look cold? The first picture is Ray, my brother Jim, sister-in-law Valaine, nieces Lily and Jessica coming out of the General Store, which was a great place to buy souvenirs.

Back From Our Vacation to Indiana

2007-11-29T23:22:00.000-10:00

Well, I'm thawing out from our trip to Indiana. I thought I would have computer use but I didn't so I'm posting after our trip. Here is an eatery in Shepshewana.

As you may have guessed it is in Amish country and the food was great! Thanksgiving was great at my brothers home.
We had a chance to go to Chicago and my favorite place was Millenium Park and the Hancock Building. It was very chilly but I loved the country living and city excitement. Our two weeks flew by but we are so happy to be back in Hawaii.

Leaving Hawaii to Visit Indiana

2007-11-13T21:42:00.000-10:00

It's finally here! My hubby Ray and I are leaving the Islands tomorrow to visit Indiana. Fort Wayne to be exact. We are planning to visit Chicago while in the area. Looking forward to the two weeks we will be on the mainland. Will keep you all posted.

Hickam Craft Fair

2007-11-04T12:02:00.001-10:00

We have now tried a craft sale to sell our items. This was my (AmorDePlata.etsy.com) and my hubby's (HawaiiRayRay.etsy.com) first craft sale. We joined up with Angela (AMKstiches.etsy.com) to sell our Etsy items. Angie had the greatest sales and did well, Ray sold a few and I had a sale.

My items apparently are not for craft sales, maybe home shows would be better for me. It is lots of work and took about 10 hours of time. I have to make more items and I just can't find the time. I am very happy to have had this experience and we did give out lots of business cards and Etsy Hawaii Street Team postcards during the craft sale. This may be good for future sales and maybe Chrismas sales.

I've Been Featured on Talentdatabase

2007-10-22T14:39:00.000-10:00

New Etsy Hawaii Banner

2007-10-22T14:02:00.000-10:00

Well, I'm finally finished with the banner for our Etsy Hawaii Street Team. Hope you like it!

Silver Monstera Leaf and Rustic Cross - My Latest Creations

2007-10-19T19:11:00.001-10:00

Amor De Plata - FREE shipping on items over $100.

2007-09-01T21:20:00.000-10:00

Visit my shop and receive FREE shipping on all items over $100. New items have been listed.

Talent Database

2007-08-12T20:01:00.000-10:00

You must go to this website, it is absolutely amazing. It's pretty new and has the best talent in the world. Artists, photographers, writers, dancers etc. They give you your own page and of course it's free. Who knows, maybe you can be discovered!

Anyway I have my new page and they give you a pop-factor number starting at 50. As you socialize, people bookmark you or comment on your items or pictures your pop-factor rises. I was amazed that my pop-factor was 118! They keep the key to the rising pop-factor very secret. I had quite a few people bookmark me and my number just rose by a few numbers and now it jumped to 118. Check it out:

http://www.talentdatabase.com

A First! - Fine Silver Dot Ring

2007-08-09T20:27:00.000-10:00

Look at this lovely dotted and lined silver ring. I love it! I will be listing another ring tomorrow.

I'm a Level 1 Certified Art Clay Instructor

2007-08-04T14:00:00.000-10:00

Whoo Hoo, I now have level 1 Art Clay Certification. After a 3 day course of instruction on all types of Art Clay silver, I have passed the test. We made rolled rings with stones, band rings with syringe details, pendants and earrings. It was a grueling 3 days, but I'm happy it's finally over. I feel qualified for anything now. I will probably list a few of my projects on Amor De Plata at Etsy. Be on the lookout.

Check out my Guestbook!

2007-07-30T21:35:00.001-10:00

Etsy Poster Contest

2007-07-27T19:52:00.000-10:00

Etsy is having a poster contest until the end of July. Here is my poster submission entitled "Lush Nature."

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=4161

Check it out and let me know what you think.

I listed on Talent Data Base

2007-07-24T20:54:00.000-10:00

I listed on talentdatabase.com yesterday. It's a global database of all types of artists. I posted pictures of my jewelry and some basic information but I have yet to fill out my complete bio.

A very talented artist from Japan already bookmarked me which is good. I will read up on it and figure it out soon. I heard it's a good way to get your art, craft, talent out to the world and be discovered!

Crossing fingers.

Fine Silver Shell Earrings - New Listing

2007-07-17T21:40:00.000-10:00

Here is my latest creation. I found the cutest tiny shell on the beach, made a mold of it and created these earrings.

Amor De Plata Domain Name is Mine!

2007-07-13T14:08:00.000-10:00

I'm so happy I just purchased my domain name. Since I really don't have any computer skills and don't want to stress, I'm having all my amordeplata.com searchers forwarded to my Etsy shop at amordeplata.etsy.com automatically. Oh my gosh, it took all of 2 minutes to sign up, entered my Etsy site name and done. If I had known it was this easy, I would have done it years ago.

A special thanks to Blissbyheather.etsy.com for all of her helpful tips and information on promoting your site in the Etsy forum. Yahoo domain names for $1.99 a year at yahoo business site! You can't beat that. Regular price is $10.00 per year, which is not bad. I LOVE Etsy, they help you so much in all aspects of promoting and success in your business. Remember to buy handmade at Etsy.com everyone.

Liquid Silver Drop Pendant

2007-07-10T20:21:00.000-10:00

Check out my latest listing in my shop. I love this silver drop pendant, don't you?

Italy - My Dream

2007-07-07T14:02:00.000-10:00

I dream of going to Italy all the time. Went to Bravo's (Italian food restaurant) yesterday and had spinach ravioli. I swear I must have been Italian in my former life. I absolutely adore anything from Italy, love the food, love the glass. Everything is gorgeous in Italy and really makes me want to go there. I think I might study the language, although I do a good job of faking it. I can pretty much get the idea of what someone is talking about.

Received a catalog for cruises (yes, to Italy) a couple of days ago. One day when I have enough money I will go. My hubby thinks I just want to run off with an Italian guy when I get there. No, honey, I love you!!

Flu bug

2007-07-05T15:53:00.000-10:00

Must be a bug going around, I'm so sick. Enjoyed the 4th of July fireworks last night at Ala Moana Center. Beautiful show set to music. Will write more when I'm feeling better. Will continue sneezing, coughing and wheezing.

My Etsy Site is now on Crafts Galore

2007-06-29T23:05:00.000-10:00

I've listed my Etsy site on Crafts Galore. It's a new website to promote our Etsy shops. Click here to check it out and to vote for me at the same time!

Vote For Amor De Plata

at Crafts Galore

Top Sites List

Thank you all very much!

Lychees in Hawaii

2007-06-28T20:01:00.000-10:00

My hubby took this pic of the Lychees in the yard. Very delicious. They taste somewhat like strawberries without the seeds.

Free Shipping on Items over $100.

2007-06-28T19:37:00.000-10:00

I will be offering FREE SHIPPING on all items over $100. in my Etsy shop. I upgraded some of my items to show how a pendant will look hanging from your neck. I hope this will help you visualize the pendant while being worn. Take a look!

Para Mis Amigos Latinos

2007-06-26T22:42:00.001-10:00

Favor de visitar mi tienda de joyas de plata
Amor De Plata. En este momento estoy comenzando mi tienda. Pronto espero tener mas paginas con mas joyas. Si tienen una pregunta trato de contestar. Muchas gracias por sus visitas!

Our Etsy Hawaii Street Team

2007-06-26T22:32:00.000-10:00

Come to our Etsy Hawaii Street Team page and check out other Hawaii Etsy sellers!
http://hi808etsy.blogspot.com

My Etsy Shop

2007-06-25T13:12:00.001-10:00

Certified Metal Clay Instructor

2007-06-25T12:41:00.000-10:00

I'm a member of the Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designer.

I can't wait to take my certified metal clay instructor course. The course is an intense 7 hours a day for 3 days.

When I'm finished, I will be a certified metal clay instructor. Sounds pretty scary but I'm going for it. I hope I pass the course.

Silver Leaf

2007-06-25T12:28:00.000-10:00

Check out my silver leaf in .999 silver. I think it's exquisite, don't you?

My Hubbys Shop

2007-06-25T12:21:00.000-10:00

visit my hubbys shop hawaiirayray.etsy.com

He sells watercolors, art and ACEO's. The artwork is done by both of us and I wanted the art to be separate from the jewelry site. Check it out.

New Photo Stamps

2007-06-04T11:16:00.000-10:00

Hi,

Just wanted to show you my new photo stamps. They are adorable and have my logo with Etsy.com address.

Amor De Plata - Silver Art Jewelry

2007-04-08T21:53:00.000-10:00

Original Fine Silver Art Jewelry by Martha Sanchez. Coin Pendant, Leaf Pendant to name a few. Visit my shop at www.amordeplata.etsy.com
Thank you for supporting the arts.